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The January recruitment period is typically a period of feverish rumour and possible major deals. Several notable players find themselves linked with moves away from their current teams. This article explores a selection of the top figures who might be on the move in January.

Antoine Semenyo

Although the Black Stars' failure to reach the Africa Cup of Nations, which has kept the player available, indications are an important transfer is imminent. The 25-year-old has a contract with a £65 million release clause active for a short window in early January. Latest developments point to Manchester City have emerged as his services. Former suitors such as Chelsea and Tottenham are said to have moved on to other targets, leaving clubs such as Manchester United or Liverpool to make a late move.

Marc Guéhi

This English defender has continued to excel for Crystal Palace despite a previous transfer to Anfield collapsing. As his deal set to run out in the summer, this represents the London club's final opportunity to secure a transfer fee for their captain. Numerous elite clubs, such as Manchester City and multiple European giants including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are believed to hold an interest. However, a January departure is considered unlikely, especially given the coach's reliance on the defender.

B. Johnson

The Wales winger has had first-team minutes limited at Tottenham this term. Despite being the club's top scorer the previous campaign, he has begun just a handful of Premier League matches. It is understood the North London club would be open to a transfer for the correct price, believed to be in the around forty million pounds. The Cherries appear to be at the front of the queue, with Aston Villa, Brentford, and Crystal Palace additionally credited with an interest.

Tottenham value the Welsh international at approximately £40m.

R. Neves

This Portuguese playmaker might be set for a return to the English top flight after a period in Saudi Arabia. Still only 28, while his agreement expiring in the summer, he represents a possible bargain. Teams like Liverpool and Manchester United are linked with the former Wolves man. Additionally, there have been suggestions from Spain that he is prepared to take a reduced salary for a switch to the Spanish giants.

Marc-André ter Stegen

This veteran German goalkeeper is now as the third option at Barça following new coach Flick. After fallen out of favour and undergone surgery, a January departure seems increasingly probable. Villa were initially linked as a possible suitor, but that move now appears unlikely. Instead, clubs from Turkey and Saudi Arabia are reportedly showing curiosity in the 33-year-old.

Ivan Toney

This proven England striker has continued finding the net regularly in the Middle East. A return to the Premier League could boost his dwindling chances of being in the national World Cup. But, arranging a deal poses significant challenges. Al-Ahli do not wish to sell him, and his alleged huge salary render any move difficult. Everton, Tottenham, and Manchester United are all linked as admirers.

The striker helped Al-Ahli to victory in the Saudi Super Cup showpiece.

C. Gallagher

The dynamic English midfielder drew widespread attention in the summer but remained at Atlético. With few starting appearances in La Liga this term, he is keen to secure more minutes ahead of the World Cup. Manchester United are heavily linked, and a move back to Selhurst Park, where he shone on a temporary deal, is also a possibility, though wage constraints could be a problem.

Harvey Elliott

Although starring and being named player of the tournament at the U21 Euros in the summer, the talented player has struggled for game time on loan at Villa. Unai Emery has confirmed the loan move won't be made permanent. Because of FIFA regulations regarding representing two clubs in a campaign, a move back to Liverpool prior to next season appears to be the only available outcome.

K. Yildiz

The highly-rated Turkish forward has been in fine form for the Italian giants this season. With his existing contract nearing its end, many English sides – including Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool – are keeping tabs on the developments. The Turin club are desperate to secure the youngster to a lengthy agreement but are in a battle to retain one of the continent's most promising young talents.

K. Smit

The much-admired Netherlands teenage midfielder has drawn parallels to Kevin De Bruyne for his playing style. After impressing at the Under-19 European Championship, he has broken into the AZ side. This 19-year-old is heavily expected to complete a major transfer in January. Newcastle are believed to be leading the chase, but are facing strong competition from the Spanish champions for a deal priced at around twenty-two million pounds.